Anyone who lives a life surrendered to Jesus Christ can expect one thing to come without fail: opposition. Because we live in a broken and sinful world that brings hardships and suffering but have been exposed to the glory and blessing that is in Christ, it can often be a challenge to focus on suffering. Often we are left to ask ourselves, "Is there really a good reason why I am suffering?"
When it comes to suffering and trying circumstances, the apostle Peter knew best and had this to say in 1 Peter 4:12: "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you" (ESV). What an interesting insight. Basically what Peter is saying is that because we now live for God, trial should become our new normal.
I always say this to the men whom I mentor at church: "If you want to become a soldier for God, be ready to eat trials for breakfast." That's how this whole Christianity thing works. God never promises us a problem-free life. In fact, Jesus tells us to expect that in this world we will face tribulation (John 16:33).
I know that really doesn't sound like the deal many of you might have bought into when you gave your life to Christ. You may have been told that blessing will follow you and that restoration will come, and I'm not saying it won't. By God's grace and the power of Christ, blessing will come to you! But so will trial.
It may sound like God can be a total sadist, to desire trial to come into our life, but He's not. I don't believe God wants trial to come to us, but because our sin has corrupted the earth and made it so imperfect that it messes with us even if we don't mess with it. But in God's grace, He can take something even as terrible as the trials of a broken world and turn it into a blessed opportunity to grow and mature much faster than we would without it.
James 1:2–3 tells us, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness" (ESV). Even the terrible trials of this earth can make us Christ-like. Just how great is our God?
So do we suffer for nothing? No we don't because in God's sovereignty, wisdom and power, He takes our deepest sorrows and turns them into mornings full of dancing. That's how wonderful the grace of God through Christ is. Sure life may get hard when we walk with Christ, but we don't have to face trials alone. Jesus invites us to cast all burdens upon Him and trust that He will be more than enough to bring victory in the midst of great trial.
